Council trialled a Youth Council for 12 months from April 2025 - April 2026. The pilot was evaluated based on feedback from inaugural Youth Council members and school representatives, and a report on the outcomes was presented to the Council meeting in May 2026. At this meeting it was decided that the Youth Council program would be continued.
Through the Youth Council, we have committed to hearing from young people, engaging young people in civic life, fostering leadership and ensuring young peoples’ perspectives are considered in decision-making processes.
The Youth Council is made up of 2 representatives from each of the local high schools, TAFE NSW and a home schooling network. Associate members (two Councillors and two Council staff) were determined at the July Ordinary Meeting of Council, and include the Mayor, Councillor Champion, Council's Manager Community Life and Libraries and Council's Community Engagement Specialist.
Students have recently been selected for the 2026/2027 Youth Council through a nomination process managed by the schools. Students from years 8-11 are represented on the group.
Find our Youth Council Terms of Reference and Information Pack via the below links.
Mayor Jesse Fitzpatrick with Wingecarribee Shire Youth Council members at a Youth Council meeting in April 2025
Wingecarribee Shire Youth Council members and Mayor Jesse Fitzpatrick at Youth Council Meeting in April 2025
Mayor Jesse Fitzpatrick, Councillor Champion and the members of the 2025 Youth Council in April 2025
Wingecarribee Shire Youth Council members at a Youth Council meeting in April 2025
Mayor Jesse Fitzpatrick at a Youth Council meeting in April 2025